SPRINGFIELD - Two city residents are facing federal charges for conspiring to steal Social Security benefits by receiving more than $30,000 in payments for people who were not under their care, according to the U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts.

Hilda Griffin, 37, and Daquan Harris, 24, were arraigned this week in U.S. District Court in Springfield on three counts of theft of public money and a single count of conspiracy. Each denied the charges and was released pending trial.

The two were indicted by a federal grand jury. According to the indictment, Griffin had been listed as the representative payee for three people who were receiving Social Security benefits. In October, 2014, the three people were no longer living with her, but Griffin continued receiving payment.

Prosecutors charge that she conspired with Harris to continue receiving payments, and this continued though last May.

Griffin is accused of stealing $8,900 in benefits, and Harris more than $21,800.

If convicted, they could be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison, three years probation, and a $250,000 fine.